Boris Johnson signals U-turn on masks in schools after demands for review by head teachers and unions

Boris Johnson appeared to pave the way for a Government U-turn on face masks in schools as he said that “if the advice changes we will change”

The Prime Minister said: "On the issue of whether or not to wear masks in some contexts - you know, we'll look at the changing medical evidence as we go on. If we need to change the advice then of course we will."

Asked why the UK Government was ignoring World Health Organisation advice that children aged over 12 should wear masks in corridors and shared spaces, Mr Johnson said: "The overwhelming priority is to get all pupils into school.

"And I think that the schools, the teachers, they've all done a fantastic job of getting ready and the risk to children's health, the risk to children's wellbeing from not being in school is far greater than the risk from Covid.

"If there are things we have to do to vary the advice on medical grounds, we will, of course, do that. But as the chief medical officer, all our scientific advisers, have said, schools are safe."

It followed calls from teaching unions including the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) for a review after Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon took on board the WHO advice and ordered masks for over 12s in corridors and shared spaces.

This is the  Business Secretary saying: 'Face coverings are not necessary in schools'.

ASCL’s general secretary Geoff Barton told The Daily Telegraph on Monday: “It would be prudent in the light of the decision in Scotland over face coverings in schools, and the recent guidance by the World Health Organisation, for the government in Westminster to review its existing guidance that face coverings are not required in schools in England, and provide clear direction one way or another.”

He added: “We have two concerns. First, parents, pupils, and staff, will be anxious about the situation and need reassurance from the government about the public health basis for its policy over face coverings in England, rather than it being left entirely to schools to explain the government’s rationale.

“And, second, if there is going to be any U-turn by the government that it does this sooner rather than later because the start of the new term is imminent.”

He said parents and teachers were looking for clarity and consistency about the rules on face masks in schools.

He told the BBC News channel: "All we are saying is if the Government is going to change its mind, we are the people who are going to be opening the schools and we need to know that, so that we can reassure parents about what the rules might be."

To any parent worried about the safety of sending their child back to school, Mr Barton said: "I think once we get into rhythms and routines of school, parents will be hugely reassured.

"The more that we can take on any final questions about what do they have to wear, is it face masks or isn't it, the more that reassurance I think will help to bring as many young people as possible into school next week."